Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Epic of Beowulf - Contradictory Christian Elements in...

Contradictory Christian Elements in Beowulf In Beowulf the Christian element, which coexists alongside the pagan or heathen, sometimes in a seemingly contradictory fashion, is many faceted. Certainly the Christian element seems to be too deeply interwoven in the text for us to suppose that it is due to additions made by scribes at a time when the poem had come to be written down. The Christian element had to be included by the original poet or by minstrels who recited it in later times. The extent to which the Christian element is present varies in different parts of the poem. In the last portion (2200–3183) the number of lines affected by it amounts to less than four per cent., while in the section dealing with†¦show more content†¦with the corpse in the burial mound overlooking the sea. Including such heathen rites enables the poet to â€Å"communicate his Christian vision of pagan heroic life.†(Bloom 2). Additonally, earlier in the poem, the Danes, when under extreme pressure from Grendel, reverted to Satan-worship: At times they prepared sacrifice in temples, war-idol offerings, said the old words aloud, that the great soul-slayer might bring some comfort in their country’s disaster. Such was their custom, the hope of the heathen; they remembered Hell in their deepest thoughts. They knew not the Lord, the Judge of our deeds, were ignorant of God, knew not how to worship our Protector above, the King of Glory (175ff) The minstrels’ catechesis seems poor because their allusions to the church and to the Bible are quite indistinct, vague, indefinete, thus reflecting a vague knowledge of Christianity on theirShow MoreRelatedEssay on Religion in Beowulf814 Words   |  4 Pagesperiod, the epic Beowulf contains many pagan ideals, in addition to several references to Christian philosophy. Beowulf is a tale of dual ordeals; an external fight against treacherous enemies, and an internal struggle with human tendencies of pride, greed, cowardice, and betrayal. The story intertwines them with both pagan and Christian beliefs. The pride of Beowulf was a personal characteristic that was not commonly shared with others during his time of living. This pride caused Beowulf to feel theRead MoreBeowulf And The Anglo Saxon Period1740 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf The original poem, Beowulf, goes back to the Anglo-Saxon period in c. 650 and c.1100. Authors translated Beowulf many times in the Anglo-Saxon period to present day. It displays how a hero should be in the real world. He helps the people in the village and slays monsters. Everyone in the village looks up to him as he acts as if he were a role model. Beowulf, the protagonist in the translated Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, is a hero of his village, stands for bravery, strong will, and noblenessRead MoreComparing and Contrasting Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, and Renaissance Perio1410 Words   |  6 Pagesindeed. From the early pagan warriors to the artisans of the Renaissance, the European world dramatically reformed. The literature of each era indicates the profound cultural innovations. The Anglo-Saxons arguably most important literary piece, Beowulf, is a story of a brave warrior who fights Grendel. Grendel is described as, A powerful monster, living down/ In the darknessÂ…(lines 1-2). Th is affray demonstrates the timeless battle of good versus evil. The universal struggle is maintained in theRead MoreAmerican Literature11652 Words   |  47 PagesEnlightenment American Renaissance/Romanticism Gothic Realism Naturalism Modernism Harlem Renaissance Postmodernism Contemporary Puritan Times period of American Literature - 1650-1750 Content: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · errand into the wilderness be a city upon a hill Christian utopia Genre/Style: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · sermons, diaries personal narratives captivity narratives jeremiads written in plain style Effect: ï‚ · ï‚ · instructive reinforces authority of the Bible and church Historical Context: ï‚ · ï‚ · a person s

Monday, December 16, 2019

Music of the Baroque Free Essays

Music of the Baroque BY Pagan Unit 3 – Music of the Baroque 1 . Name two important visual artists (such as painters) and also two important writers of literature (such as poets) from the Baroque Period. Do not name musicians. We will write a custom essay sample on Music of the Baroque or any similar topic only for you Order Now (Visual Artists) – Peter Paul Rueben Artemisia Gentiles / (Writers)- John Fletcher and Francis Beaumont 2. Write a paragraph about â€Å"The Baroque Style†. The baroque style was very well suited to the wishes of the aristocracy, who were enormously rich and powerful during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, also religious institutions powerfully shaped the baroque style. Churches used the emotional and theatrical qualities of art to make worship more attractive and appealing. The middle class too, influenced the development of the baroque style, for example prosperous merchants and doctors commissioned realistic landscapes and scenes from everyday life. 3. Write a paragraph that includes the characteristics of Baroque music. A. Unity of mood – Usually expresses one basic mood: what begins joyfully will remain Joyful throughout. Emotional states like Joy, grief, and agitation were represented. Composers molded a musical language to depict the affections; pacific rhythms or melodic patterns were associated with specific moods. B. Rhythm – Rhythmic patterns heard at the beginning of a piece are repeated throughout it. This rhythmic continuity provides a compelling drive and energy-the forward motion is rarely interrupted. The beat, for example, is emphasized far more in baroque music than in most Renaissance music. C. Melody – There is a continuous expanding, unfolding, and unwinding of melody. This sense of directed motion is frequently the result of a melodic sequence, that is, successive repetition of a musical dead at higher or lower pitches. Many baroque melodies sound elaborate and ornamental, and they are not easy to sing or remember. It gives an impression of dynamic expansion rather than of balance or symmetry. D. Dynamics – The level of volume tends to stay fairly constant for a stretch of time. When the dynamics do shift, the shift is sudden, like physically stepping from one level to another. The main keyboard instruments of the baroque period were the organ and harpsichord, both well suited for continuity of dynamics. E. Texture – It is predominantly polyphonic in suture. Usually, the soprano and bass lines are the most important. Not all-late baroque music was polyphonic, a piece might shift in texture, especially in vocal music, where changes of mood in the words demand musical contrast. F. Chords and the basso continuo – Chords gave new prominence to the bass part, which served as the foundation of the harmony. The whole musical structure rested on the bass part. The new emphasis on chords and the bass part resulted in the most characteristic feature of baroque music, an accompaniment called the basso continuo. The basso continuo offered the advantage of emphasizing the all-important bass part, besides providing a steady flow of chords. G. Use of words in the music – Baroque composers used music to depict the meaning of specific words. Rising scales represented upward motion; descending scales depicted the reverse. Descending chromatic scales were associated with pain and grief. Composers often emphasized words by writing many rapid notes for a single syllable of text; this technique also displayed a singer’s virtuosity. 4. What was the role of music in Baroque society? It served as musical expression for brilliant composers, a source of entertainment for aristocrats, a way of life for musicians and a temporary escape from the routines of daily life for the general public. 5. What was the goal of the group known as the â€Å"Camera†? The Camera wanted to create a new vocal style modeled on the music of ancient Greek tragedy. Since no actual dramatic music had come down to them from the Greeks, they based their theories on literacy accounts that had survived. The Camera wanted the vocal line to follow the rhythms and pitch fluctuations of beech. 6. Write a detailed description of each of the following new forms in Baroque music: A. Concerto gross – Extended composition for instrumental soloists and orchestra, usually in three movements: (1) Fast, (2) Slow, (3) Fast. B. Fugue – Polyphonic composition based on one main theme or subject. C. Opera – Drama that is sung to orchestral accompaniment, usually a large-scale composition employing vocal soloists, chorus, orchestra, costumes, and society. D. Solo concerto – A piece for a single soloist and an orchestra. E. Baroque suite – A group of dance, usually in the name key, with each piece in the binary form or the ternary form. F. Oratorio – Large- scale composition for chorus, vocal soloists, and orchestra, usually set to a narrative text, but without acting, scenery, or costumes; often based on biblical stories. G. Sonata – In baroque music, an instrumental composition in several movements for one to eight players. In music after the baroque period, an instrumental composition usually in several movements for one or two players. H. Church cantata – Composition in several movements, usually written for chorus, one or more vocal soloists; and orchestra. The church cantata for the Lutheran service in Germany during the Baroque period often includes chorales. 7. Write a complete definition for each of the following terms: A. Movement – Piece that sounds fairly complete and independent but is part of a larger composition. B. Libretto – Text of an opera written by the librettist (dramatists) and set to music by the composer. C. Aria -Song for solo voice with orchestral accompaniment, usually expressing an emotional state through its outpouring of melody; found in operas, oratorios, and cantatas. D. Recitative – Vocal lines in an opera, oratorio, or cantata hat imitates the rhythms and pitch fluctuations of speech often serving to lead into an aria. E. Overture (in opera) -Short musical composition, purely orchestral, which opens an opera and sets the overall dramatic mood. Orchestral introductions to later acts of an opera are called preludes. F. Chorus (in opera) – A body of singers who sing the choral parts off work. G. Ground bass – Variation form in which a musical idea in the bass is repeated over and over while the melodies above it constantly change; common in baroque music. H. Chorale – Hymn tune sung too religious text. How to cite Music of the Baroque, Papers

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Financial Analysis And Accounting - Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss about the Financial Analysis And Accounting. Answer: Introduction Financial analysis is most crucial for the organization as it helps in knowing the present performance of the entity. Further, in the modern era with the rise in the level of competition in the market, it has become necessary for every business to indulge in the practice of financial analysis such as calculating ratios with the help of which present performance can be compared with the past(Bailey 2017). The present study carried out is based on Woolworths Ltd where the description of the organization has been provided regarding background, history, etc. Auditor and director report of the organization has been analyzed along with the financial statements so as to know overall performance. Apart from this, various ratios have been calculated. Brief of the company Woolworths group plc is a British firm that owns high street retail chain in the market of Australia. The company other owns another type of entities that are book and resource distributor, entertainment distributor, etc. Woolworths limited was founded in the year 1924 on September 22 where its key founders are Percy Christmas Stanley Chatterton Cecil Scott Waine George Creed Ernest Williams(Group 2017). The organization is based in New South Wales, Australia. Further, the key areas served involves Australia, India and New Zealand. The stores through which company operates are popular in every type of market. In the year 1955, the first self-service store of the organization was opened with the motive to deliver the high experience to the target market. The organization manages some of the most trusted brands in the Australian market and at present company has more than 28 million satisfied customers worldwide. Woolworths employs 205,000 team members and has trusted partners which in volve manufacturers and local farmers. The company is one of the largest supermarket chains where 995 stores are operated across Australia. Company sources 96% of the fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmers present in the Australian market. All form of retail products is offered by the organization that involves food, clothes, grocery items, etc. In short, all the items that are used in day to day life of the consumers are offered by Woolworths in the market, and this allows business to satisfy the need of its target market in the proper manner(Group 2017). Time to time new products are added in the existing range of products so that level of brand loyalty can be well maintained with the help of this and through this Woolworths can manage its overall performance in the market where overall operations are being carried out. Therefore these are some of the key insights associated with Woolworths for the year 2016(Bloomberg 2017). Which section dominate Considering the annual report of the enterprise it has been found that the financial section dominates the entire report Woolworths group has highlighted its financial performance appropriately so as to deliver the right information to its stakeholders that involve shareholders, customers, supplier, financial institutions, etc(Bailey 2017). The Company has focused on key areas that involves profit level, dividend per share, earning before interest and tax, sales from different sources such as hotels, drink group, new Zealand group, etc. Group sales have been highlighted that undertakes the different type of areas such as BIGW, New Zealand food, hotels, Australian, etc. All these are key areas in which company operates, and they are managed appropriately. Group profit and loss account have been reflected in the entire report that considers the main expenses and income sources of the through which it has been known that income level of the enterprise is high and firm has control on its major expenses. Generally, for every type of company operating in the market it is necessary to highlight the financial performance properly for the benefit of the parties that have the direct interest in the firm. The section of Australian food and petrol has been highlighted differently with the help of its sales and EBIT. It has been known that this section is most important for the business on the basis of the sales level. The Endeavour drink group and New Zealand food section have also been highlighted separately by the business(Kang Gray 2013). So, in this way, the financial section of the business dominates the entire report of the organization and highlights how the organization is performing efficiently in the market. Apart from this, the finan cial section provides a base for comparison where present performance can be compared with the past. Due to this reason this section is most crucial. Main directors The key directors of Woolworths limited are Mr. Bradford Leon Banducci who is CEO of the company, Mr. David Paul Marr who is CFO, Mr. Martin Smith who is managing director of Endeavour drinks and Ms. Claire Peters who is managing director Woolworths supermarket(Group 2016). All these directors are indulged into the practice of developing the strategic plan for the business, and they take various crucial decisions for the welfare of the entire organization. CEO of Woolworths limited named Bradford Banducci takes investment decisions and ensures whether financial resources are utilized efficiently or not. Role of every director present within the Woolworths plays the different role(Kang Gray 2013). Considering the director report of the business the background of every director has been provided in the report which involves their educational background, the career as a leader and another type of crucial information that is significant for the business. The principal activities of the organization have been highlighted in the director's report which involves Australian food and petrol, BIGW, petrol, New Zealand supermarkets and Endeavour drink group. Dividend declared in the financial year 2016 has been shown where the high amount of dividends were paid in the year 2016 as compared with the previous year(Group 2017). Director interest in share and performance right part has been shown in the report along with meetings of directors that held during the financial period ended 26 June 2016. Along with this environmental regulations have been highlighted in the report where it has been highlighted that all the operations of the Woolworths group are as per the environmental regulatio ns. Apart from this, the remuneration report of the directors has been reflected in the director's report that highlights the salary paid to the top executives of the company. Moreover, the range of KPI undertaken for every individual has also been shown in the report. Auditor opinion The main auditors of Woolworths limited are Ernst Young Inc, Deloitte and SABT Inc where both these companies hold the responsibility to audit the financial statements of the company in order to know overall performance in the market. The audit committee of the Woolworths limited carries out different functions that take into consideration reviewing reports that are presented by the treasury committee, reviewing the interim results, considering the independence of the external auditors, etc(Group 2016). In short, each and every function of the audit committee is quite crucial, and they ensure whether the organization is carrying out every financial function in the proper manner or not. The committee has reviewed the annual financial statements of the group and is satisfied with the business activities as its practices comply with the international financial reporting standards. Further, the entire committee also reviewed the assessment of the going concern status of the group, and it has been suggested to the board that group will be a going concern for the foreseeable future. Considering the audit opinion, the entire committee has audited the consolidated and separate financial statements of the Woolworths holding limited where the responsibility of the auditors have been highlighted. It is ensured by the auditor that they comply with the ethical requirement and carry out all the audit practices as per the regulatory requirement. It has been analyzed by the auditors that financial information has been represented in a fair manner and no unethical practice has been undertaken so as to highlight the companys performance in the wrong manner(Limited 2016). Apart from this, it is recommended to the Woolworths group to maintain this performance for the longer period. Therefore, this highlights the overall opinion of the auditor of Woolworths group where they are satisfied after auditing the financial statements of the business. Sales increased or decreased After undertaking the annual report of Woolworths Ltd for the year 2016 sales of the organization has been known. In the year 2016 the group sales were 60,186 $M, and in the year 2015, it was 60,679 $M where the decline in (0.8%) has been witnessed in the overall sales of the enterprise. The major change has been witnessed in the fuel sector where less amount of petrol has been sold by the company in the year 2016 as compared with the previous year. Apart from this, the sale of another sector such as food, the drink has enhanced in the present year as compared with the past(Group 2016). The possible reason for the decline in the sales volume of the enterprise can be competition in the market. This issue is adversely affecting organization where Woolworths ltd is not able to accomplish its key goals and objectives. Apart from this, the company is required to focus more on marketing and the promotional medium through which it is possible to attract customers towards the range of its products, and this can surely act as the development tool for the enterprise(Mertens et al. 2016). Further, sales of the group have been segregated into different areas which involve Australian food, petrol, drinks group, etc. All these are the main sources of income of Woolworths limited. Cash flow analysis Cash from operating activities helps in knowing the inflow and outflow of the money from the main activities of the enterprise. Further, it helps in knowing whether the organization is effectively carrying out its main operations or not(Phillipov 2016). Considering the cash flow statement of Woolworths ltd for the year 2016 the operating activities of the enterprise has been undertaken where it is showing positive outcome with the inflow of 2,357.5 $M, and this is the favorable situation for the organization. As compared with the previous year the cash inflow which was 3345.1 $M in the year 2015 from the operating activity has been declined by 29.53 percent. The main reason behind the same is the decline in the level of receipts from customers. It is indicating the Woolworths group is efficiently carrying out its major operations, and this is one of the main reason behind the success of the enterprise in the market where it operates. In terms of money and percentage both cash, inflow has changed in the year 2016 as compared with the previous year. Therefore, it is recommended to the entire group to maintain this performance for the longer period. Retained profit On the basis of financial analysis of Woolworths limited for the year 2016 it has been found that organization has incurred the loss of 2,347.9 $M in the year 2016 and in the year 2015 the company earned the profit of 2137.4 $M. One of the valid reasons behind the decline in profitability level of the enterprise is the decrease in sales volume that has influenced profits. Apart from this, the main expenses of the enterprise have adversely affected the business such as income tax, movement in translation of foreign operations taken to equity, etc(Price 2016). Due to this reason, the retained earnings of the company has also declined where in the year 2016 it was (5.6) $M and in the year 2015 it was 11.3 $M. This is clearly representing that organizational performance is not up to the mark and improvement is needed in every possible manner. The company has no control over its major expenses and due to this reason profitability level is not maintained by the enterprise by conducting its overall operations in the market. One of the best ways is to focus on the practice of enhancing sales as in case if sales will increase then it will positively influence the profits of the entity and in turn can assist to accomplish the desired goals of the business(Rose 2017). Further, Woolworths Limited has to identify the major areas where the level of costs can be reduced easily for the overall benefit of the organization in the market. Ratio analysis Profitability Ratio 2016 2015 Net margin (2.12) 3.53 Operating margin 2.3 5.0 Return on invested capital (7.63) (15.40) Above shown are the financial ratios of Woolworths Ltd that highlights overall performance of the business in the market. Profitability ratio highlights whether profits earned by the company are adequate or not. Liquidity ratios highlight that enough cash is available within the organization so as to conduct overall operations. Net margin of the company has decreased in the year 2016 as compared with the previous year. It is showing that adequate amount of revenue is not present with the business after deducting all the expenses(Group 2016). Operating margin of the Woolworths has also declined which indicates ineffective pricing strategy of the enterprise. Return on invested capital of the entity is also adverse that reflects that company is not able to obtain the high return on the invested funds. Liquidity Ratio 2016 2015 Current ratio 0.83 0.84 Quick ratio 0.16 0.23 Above shown are the liquidity ratios of Woolworths ltd. Further, current and quick ratio of enterprise has declined in the year 2016 as compared with the past. It is reflecting the organization is not having sound cash position. Asset turnover Ratio 2016 2015 Return on asset (5.06) 8.66 Asset turnover 2.39 2.46 Return on asset ratio of Woolworths Ltd is negative and it has declined in the year 2016 as compared with the past. Apart from this asset turnover of the company has also declined. This is clearly representing that company is not able to utilize its assets and due to this lower return is obtained. Leverage Ratio 2016 2015 Financial leverage 2.77 2.34 Debt/Equity 0.46 0.28 Financial leverage of Woolworths ltd is indicating that organization is using higher debt to acquire additional assets and this is considered to be risk for the business(Price 2016). Company has high dependency on loan and this can have adverse impact on the organization. Debt equity ratio of company is also high which reflects more ratio of debt which is not favorable. Conclusion The entire study carried out has supported in knowing the financial position of Woolworths Ltd in the market. Further, with the help of ratio analysis, it has been identified that organization is not operating efficiently in the market where its profitability, liquidity, leverage position is adverse, and improvement is needed. Moreover, the auditor report has shown that financial statements are prepared by the company in the proper manner as per IFRS. Therefore, business is efficient, but improvement is needed in the financial position. References Arli, V, Dylke, S, Burgess, R, Campus, R Soldo, E 2013, ' Woolworths Australia and Walmart US: Best practices in supply chain collaboration. ', Journal of Economics, Business Accountancy Ventura, vol 16, no. 1. Bailey, M 2017, 'Absorptive Capacity, International Business Knowledge Transfer, and Local Adaptation: Establishing Discount Department Stores in Australia.', Australian Economic History Review, vol 57, no. 2, pp. 194-216. Bloomberg 2017, Company Overview of Woolworths Limited, viewed 13 September 2017, https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=874687. Group, W 2016, Annual Report 2016, viewed 13 September 2017, https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/icms_docs/185865_annual-report-2016.pdf. Group, W 2016, Board of Directors , viewed 13 September 2017, https://wow2016ar.qreports.com.au/xresources/pdf/wow16ar-directors-report.pdf. Group, W 2017, About Us, viewed 13 September 2017, https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/about-us/. Group, W 2017, The Woolworths Story , viewed 13 September 2017, https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/about-us/The_Woolworths_Story/How_We_Were_Founded. Group, W 2017, Woolworths Supermarkets, viewed 13 September 2017, https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/about-us/our-brands/supermarkets/Woolworths. Kang, H Gray, SJ 2013, 'Segment reporting practices in Australia: Has IFRS 8 made a difference?', Australian Accounting Review, vol 23, no. 3, pp. 232-243. Limited, WH 2016, WOOLWORTHS HOLDINGS LIMITED 2016 AUDITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, viewed 13 September 2017, https://www.woolworthsholdings.co.za/downloads/2016/WHL-Audited-Annual-Financial-Statements-2016.pdf. Mertens, W, Recker, J, Kummer, TF, Kohlborn, T Viaene, S 2016, 'Constructive deviance as a driver for performance in retail', Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, vol 30, pp. 193-203. Phillipov, M 2016, 'Helping Australia Grow: supermarkets, television cooking shows, and the strategic manufacture of consumer trust', Agriculture and human values, vol 33, no. 3, pp. 587-596. Price, R 2016, 'Controlling routine front line service workers: an Australian retail supermarket case', Work, employment and society, vol 30, no. 6, pp. 915-931. Rose, N 2017, ' Community food hubs: an economic and social justice model for regional Australia?', Rural Society, pp. 1-13.